DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement on National Hispanic Heritage Month:

“Democrats are proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with the millions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans who live and work in the United States. From commerce to culture, our nation has always been profoundly enriched by our friends and neighbors with Hispanic heritage.

“Sadly, from the start of his campaign for president, Donald Trump has villainized Hispanic communities and stoked the flames of racism and xenophobia across the country. And in act of unconscionable cruelty, his administration implemented a draconian policy of separating immigrant families at our southern border, including many who came fleeing violence and seeking asylum. This venomous rhetoric and these inhumane policies are dangerous, destructive, divisive, and simply wrong. We are better than this as a nation.

“Democrats believe our diversity is our greatest strength. We believe that America is a nation of immigrants. And as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we recommit ourselves to electing leaders who will stand up to racism and xenophobia and work to build bridges, not walls.”